Malibu Meeting and MOPS Moms

This trip has been a whirlwind! I can't believe we only have one more full day! Here's the rundown...

Monday we were able to do some bargain shopping before heading to Pepperdine University where we met staff members and had a chance to visit with Dr. Canfield, his wife Dee, and Annlee. God has been weaving a plan for a long time that we didn't see (and still don't completely understand) that is exciting... Writing curriculum, learning objectives...We haven't thought of those things in quite a long time, but it's fun to have them on our minds again... The details are a little fuzzy for now. We will share more as we know it, but what we know is that GOD LOVES MOMS and He has a message for all of us mommies in His word.

We ended the day by having dinner with the Canfields at Paradise Cove in Malibu. The adults ate while the kids played on the beach. Kinda felt like a perfect evening.

Tues: Sharon and family left early and went to Riverside, CA to speak at The Grove MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers). We loved spending time with this group. The kids were fast friends with the McIntire children. And sound guy, Rob McIntire, shared 88 slightly used AA batteries with Davis for his remote control helicopter. We pray for people to invest in our children along the way. God is always faithful to provide the people. We celebrated AnnNan's birthday by having the group sing to her. (AnnNan is Nancy Autry, Pat's sister...AnnNan - short for Aunt Nancy!)

Wed: We were all back at Disneyland. Our cousin Lisa and her son Jacob were able to join us again. It's been great to see them and get to catch up with our California Cousins. We were worn out after walking and walking. Every night has definitely been a good night of sleep...just short nights sometimes.

The Hilliards headed north Wed. night to meet the Emig family (friends from college) and to be near the location they would be speaking on Thurs. morning. The Autrys went south to San Clemente.

Thurs: Laurie spoke at Grace Baptist Church in Santa Clarita. Her voice has been on the blink, but she said they were wonderful...getting her hot tea, cough drops, and lots of sweet words of encouragement. Yet, through all of it, Laurie in her understanding way, was able to care about the moms like no other. I think she is an amazing counselor/teacher. What a great ministry is going on there reaching out to so many moms.

I spoke at Pacific Coast Church in San Clemente. The mentor moms began the morning praying for the moms, for me and for the day - the right way to start anything! I was able to join some of the discussion groups to hear the joys and struggles of their mothering journeys.

Tomorrow, Laurie and her family will be speaking in Yorba Linda. We will have new pictures taken by sweet Tracey (totshots) again. Can't wait to see her again. Then, we will head to Canyon Lake to set up for our final event before heading home.

Thanks for praying for us. We appreciate it and please know that God has made Himself obvious to us through this week of adventure.

Blessings from the road...Sharon and the whole crew

Gettin' Our Kicks on Route 66

We've been singing the song, "Route 66," as we make our way to California...We were at Amarillo by sunset, then Gallup NM by morning! The hours flew by. Thirteen hours felt more like 6 to me. Somebody must be praying!
Some Other Prayer Requests:

• Everything has gone as planned except for the speed we use gas in the Hilliard's van as they pull the trailer...about 10.5 miles/gallon. I've never been so glad to see Clines Corners in all my life! They were on fumes after filling up not much before that. We are praying that God will stretch the gas as far as it will go. He could multiply food - why not gas?
• Also, pray that God will grow our marriages while we're out here. It's no shock that trips can put a strain on relationships, but I'm planning on getting better.
• We will be speaking to over 600 moms while we're in California. Pray for our hearts as we continue to prepare and for the ladies to be receptive. We hope they will be able to take some resources home that will encourage them after we're gone.

We've started reading The Bronze Bow, watched movies, listened to Adventures in Odyssey Mysteries, worked some, and Pat has been listening to podcasts from NorthPointe Church with Andy Stanley. Good stuff.
We got into our hotel very late last night, but I was wide awake at 6:30, so I'm getting a little quiet time. Laurie did the same! Crazy...I think we're excited! But, we are hoping for a nap later.
Blessings!
Sharon